Man 'bitten by dog' is charged with attempted murder of the pet's owner

A police forensics officer at Wolsey's tackle shop on the Upper Newtownards Road

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By Alan Erwin

A man stabbed a shop owner in East Belfast after being bitten by the victim’s dog, a court has heard.

Raymond Allardyce faces a charge of attempted murder over the knife attack on 66-year-old Denis Wolsey at Wolsey’s Tackle Shop on the Upper Newtownards Road on Tuesday.

But a defence lawyer claimed the accused had first been bitten on the mouth as he tried to feed crisps to the pet. Allardyce, 49, of Finvoy Street in Belfast, is further charged with possessing an offensive weapon.

As he appeared in the dock at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, an investigating detective opposed his application for bail. He claimed there was a potential risk of intimidation to witnesses.

Mr Wolsey, who was reportedly stabbed in the head and neck, is still in hospital and has yet to give a statement to police, the court heard.

But defence solicitor Seamus Leonard rejected the suggestion his client could interfere with the investigation.

He said Allardyce knew Mr Wolsey and had expressed his “sincere apologies” for what happened. According to the lawyer it was a “bizarre and unique” case.

Allardyce was said to have been off alcohol while staying with his mother in Banbridge, Co Down.

But he returned to Belfast last Friday and went on a four-day vodka, rum and beer-drinking binge, the court was told.

Explaining the alleged circumstances surrounding the stabbing, Mr Leonard said: “He was attempting to give the owner’s dog a crisp and it bit him. He had to be taken to hospital to have stitches in his lip.”

A wound around Allardyce’s mouth area could be seen. The lawyer continued: “His animus was towards the dog in this case, but we accept that he went back and attacked the dog’s owner.”

Granting bail, District Judge Fiona Bagnall ordered Allardyce to live with his mother and imposed an alcohol ban. She also prohibited him from contacting the victim or any witnesses.

Following her verdict Mr Leonard said: “He apologises for this incident and he accepts responsibility for it. The real issue at trial will be his state of intoxication.”